The organisers of FIT have hailed the event as ‘another successful show for the UK window, door and conservatory industry’, reporting that more than 5,000 people passed through the doors of the International Centre in Telford during the three-day event last month.
,With more than 170 exhibitors this year, the FIT Show’s organisers claim that the general consensus from visitors was that it was ‘a colourful affair with some great attractions including the debut of many new innovations and products’.
,The show’s organisers claim that footfall remained consistent in all four halls with several exhibitors reporting record levels of high quality leads. One example being independent sealed unit manufacturer and first time exhibitor, Glass Systems, which reportedly collected more than 150 new leads over the course of the three-day exhibition.
,The week also saw a grand total of £10,000 handed out at the FIT Show gala dinner, to the winners of the Master Fitter Challenge. Paul Casbolt and Karl Kinsey of Yes Glazing came in first place, taking home the top cash prize of £5,000. Entertainment was provided by ventriloquist and comedian, Nina Conti.
,FIT Show TV was a new feature of the event and exhibitors made the most of having their stories broadcast live through the FIT Show website and around the venue.
,According to the Independent Ratings feedback collected throughout the show, out of 500 people asked, 81% of returning visitors said the show was as good or better than last year, 97% of new visitors said the show was ‘important’ or ‘really important’ and 98% of all visitors said their day had been worthwhile.
,There were plenty of positive statements from visitors: “My first visit to FIT Show was really good and I have enjoyed seeing new products and innovations” said Dale Costello from Aluman, while first time visitor, Salem Ahmed of Heathrow Glazing, stated: “This was my first visit and I give it full marks – keep up the good work!”
,Returning for a second year, Geoffrey Beck of Merlin Network was equally as positive: “It has been an even better show this year, there’s a real buzzing atmosphere.”
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,The show’s organisers report that contracts for more than 73% of stand space for the next FIT Show, which takes place on 12, 13 and 14 April 2016, had been signed by the end of the event, with the figure topping 80% just a week later.
,“This year was more important for us as organisers, even more so than the first,” said Paul Godwin, managing director of FIT Events, organisers of the FIT Show. “This year established the FIT Show in the industry’s calendar as a regular feature and not a one-off. The response by visitors and exhibitors alike has been very positive, in the most meaningful of ways. Visitors came to talk business and even buy; it became a very real marketing and sales tool for exhibitors and, with the next show almost two years away, it can play a significant part in product development cycles.”
